The King's Arms, Sherborne

A fine building in the middle of the village,it's a AA 5 star rated hotel but the front door opens into the bar,with a bar back stuffed full of wine and spirit bottles.There has been a refurb which has stripped out any olde world charm,the slate floor and modern seating is very corporate ,although a side snug behind a double aspect real fireplace is full of comfy chairs and looks like something out of gran's cottage.On the otherside rustic tables make up an informal dining area.On all the walls hang moderate art for sale ,uninspiring.At the rear of the building is a large dining room,again very corporate.The outside terrace and beer garden are very pleasant. Four handpumps were offering a real cider,Butcombe Bitter,TT Landlord and Otter Ale (decent nick) ,a mainstream ale selection and nothing to get the pulse racing.From the outside this looks a grand building,the interior is therefore a let down by comparison.However the food was very good.

An impressive country hotel in a small, tidy village. The comfortable, modern rooms are a bit on the small side, but quite adequate for B&B. Excellent food, well prepared and from an original menu, but quite expensive and the service is slow. There is a main bar to the front, with a small dining room one side and a cosy snug the other, while there is a much larger dining/function room to the real, overlooking an immaculately kept garden. Floors are mostly flagstone, teh decor is subtle and there are various art works around the walls, all for sale. Views at the back are very rural. Three ales on (Wadworths Boundary, Butcombe's and Doombar) and one cider (Corton Denholm Farm) all in first-class condition. Highly recommended for lunch, B&B or just a quick pint.

Official site of the Kings Arms - www.thekingsarms.co.uk

Large village pub/hotel with a warm welcome. Re-opened after recent refurbishment - bar, small dining room off the bar and the main restaurant. Ales are well-kept and the menu is imaginative albeit expensive and the service can be a little lack-lustre. Nevertheless above average.

Official site of the Kings Arms - www.thekingsarms.co.uk